Anil Kumble stands tall in the history of Indian cricket as one of the finest spin bowlers the country has ever produced. His relentless spirit, unmatched consistency and unwavering dedication to the game have made him a formidable opponent and a true ambassador of cricket. Beyond his exceptional 619 Test wickets, Kumble’s legacy is deeply rooted in his sportsmanship, leadership and tactical brilliance.
The legendary spinner and former test skipper has recently spoken about the challenges and opportunities awaiting young Shubman Gill as he prepares to captain the Indian Test team. Anil Kumble acknowledges that leading the national side comes with responsibilities that are different from franchise or domestic cricket but he believes that Shubman Gill is capable of managing the expectations and growing into the role.
India’s transition into a new era begins with the retirement of stalwarts Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin, and Anil Kumble admits that their absence will be felt. However, he sees this phase as a chance for Shubman Gill to build his own legacy and guide the next generation of Indian cricketers during the upcoming five-match Test series in England.
Anil Kumble says that it will take time for both fans and the dressing room to adjust to the absence of these experienced players. Still, with the start of a new World Test Championship cycle, he is hopeful that this young team, under Shubman Gill’s leadership, will aim for success and eventually lift the trophy.
He also touches on the future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in ODI cricket, remarking that maintaining fitness for a format played less frequently is tough, even for seasoned athletes. Nevertheless, he emphasises that their contributions must be celebrated and appreciated as long as they continue to play. Anil Kumble expresses hope that both might aim to participate in the 2027 World Cup after missing out in 2023.
As India prepares for their limited-overs tour of Australia in October, Anil Kumble is optimistic about emerging talents like Sai Sudharsan and Yashasvi Jaiswal making their mark, particularly if they perform well during the England tour. He also highlights Suryakumar Yadav as a key figure in the T20 setup and mentions that uncapped IPL performers could earn spots in the national squad based on their recent form.
Do you agree with Anil Kumble?
